A two-year-old child has been orphaned after both his parents were killed when a rooftop sniper opened fire during the July 4 parade in Chicago.
Irina McCarthy, 35, and Kevin McCarthy, 37, were among at least seven killed in Monday’s attack, in which around 50 people also suffered gunshot wounds and other injuries.
Their toddler, Aiden, was separated from his parents in the chaos of shooting.
He was later returned to his grandparents by police, a fundraising page said.
“He will have a long way to go to heal,” wrote Irina Colon, who curated the GoFundMe page with the family’s permission.
She added that Aiden’s grandparents will take care of him.
The fund has raised nearly $1.4m (£1.17m) so far.
Read more:
4th of July shot suspect Robert Crimo’s bizarre and violent online lead
“In the wake of the shooting in Highland Park, IL on July 4, the North Shore community came together to help a boy we knew nothing about. We brought him to safety under tragic circumstances, we gathered to locate his grandparents and prayed for the safety of his family,” Colon wrote.
“Sadly, I have to share his name… Aiden McCarthy. And he needs more of our help. His parents Irina and Kevin were killed in the July 4 shootings. At two years old, Aiden finds himself in an unthinkable position: growing up without his parents.
“Aiden will be cared for by his loving family and he will have a long road to travel to heal, find stability and ultimately navigate life as an orphan. He is surrounded by a community of friends and extended family. who will embrace him with love, and every means available to ensure he has everything he needs as he grows.
“On behalf of his family, and with their permission, I am establishing this fundraiser to support him and the caregivers who will be responsible for raising, caring for and supporting Aiden as he and his support system embark on on this unexpected journey.”
The victims of the shooting
Catherine Goldstein, 64 years old
Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, 78 years old
Etienne Straus, 88 years old
Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63 years old
Suspect Robert E Crimo III was arrested hours after the attack and charged with seven counts of first degree murder.
The 21-year-old allegedly planned his attack for several weeks and climbed an escape ladder onto the roof of a business before firing more than 70 rounds into the crowd with a high-powered AR-15. assault rifle.
Suspect Robert E Crimo III in the back of a police van after his arrest
The police said he dressed in women’s clothing to hide his facial tattoos and blend in with the crowd as he escaped from the scene.
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